2014 IAVM Venue Industry Award Winners

Announcing the 2014 IAVM Venue Industry Award Winners

August 15, 2014
Venue-Awards-Grid logo

The 2014 Venue Industry Awards Luncheon—sponsored by Ungerboeck Software International and emceed by Chris Bigelow, founder and owner of The Bigelow Companies—took place during the 2014 VenueConnect Annual Conference & Trade Show in Portland, Oregon. The awards, hosted each year by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), honored exceptional venues and professionals in several categories.

Venue Excellence Awards

The Venue Excellence Award was created to annually recognize four venue types (convention centers, stadiums, arenas, and performing arts centers) demonstrating excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues. IAVM takes pride in its members and member venues that excel in providing their communities with a safe and enjoyable space for all types of events.

Stadium Winner: MetLife Stadium

In addition to substantial staff training and a high level of customer care, MetLife Stadium reduced its carbon footprint by nearly 240,000 metric tons, reflecting an exceptional commitment to the overall success of the stadium.

“We’re honored to be the stadium recognized by IAVM for the accomplishments of our staff and stake holders. The 2014 Venue Excellence Award is significant for our team at MetLife Stadium, as IAVM has great influence in the global world of venue management. No doubt the professional development our six IAVM members have received from the association has played a part in our ability to be recognized as one of the premiere stadiums in the world by professionals in the sports and entertainment venue industry.” - Brad Mayne, CFE, president and CEO, MetLife Stadium.

Convention Center Winner: Minneapolis Convention Center

The Minneapolis Convention Center displayed a significant emphasis on the development and support of a thriving team culture, evidenced by several initiatives—including the implementation of an internal leadership forum designed to strengthen the current leadership team while fostering the growth of emerging leaders.

“Winning the IAVM 2014 Venue Excellence award is a great accomplishment for the staff at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Their hard work has produced great outcomes that focus on operating responsibly through industry leading sustainability efforts and an employee-centered culture. These provide a great work culture that allows our staff to better serve our customers each and every day.” – Jeff Johnson, executive director, Minneapolis Convention Center.

Arena Winner: Orleans Arena

The Orleans Arena received two significant facility designations, obtaining both LEED Gold Certification and OSHA’s SHARP status. In addition to these accomplishments, a professional development program empowering employees in the areas of negotiation, life safety, and customer service was created.

“We are honored to be recognized by IAVM for this prestigious award—It is the pinnacle of achievement over our past 11 years of operation.  To receive this acknowledgement in the same year as our LEED Gold Certification and SHARP safety rating from OSHA is a true testament to the dedication and professionalism of the Orleans Arena staff.” – Darren Davis, CFE, executive director of the Orleans Arena.

Performing Arts Center Winner: Portland’5 Centers for the Arts

The Portland’5 Centers for the Arts focused on exceptional service to clients and patrons through both the development of new initiatives and the re-examination of existing procedures— all accomplished with a small, efficient staff.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award from our peers who represent some of the best managed performing arts centers in the world. Our team strives for excellence every day. This is proof positive that we are accomplishing just that!” – Robyn Williams, CFE, executive director, Portland’5.

Thanks to Pan Stadia and Arena Management

Eric Winton

Director, New Millennium Business

Comments are closed